Working on it!

So sorry for everyone looking to follow my trip!  I found it nearly impossible to keep up on my blog between the lack of wifi and the constant movement.  I'm still in Europe for a few more days, and will be doing a pretty massive update when I get home, I promise!

Big love!
Megan

The Countdown

Officially 3 days until I leave SLC and head to Iceland to start my journey!
My backpack arrived today (whew).  It's by a local company called Nomatic.  I saw it as an Indigogo starter, and knew it was the bag for me.  I love things with intelligent functionality (who doesn't?) - and this bag hits on it all.
During all my months of research, I wanted to know what other people took on their long trips to Europe.  There were a lot of ideas, but most of them were the same things.... so, for kicks - here is my list of things I'm taking to Iceland and Europe.  29.6lbs (473oz, 2.11 stone) of stuff! haha  Pictures included :)

6 pairs of socks
6 underwear
2 sports bras
2 pairs of shoes + the pair I'll be wearing
3 pairs of pants, 1 swim short, 3 tank tops, 3 shirts, 1 sarong (plus the clothes I'll be wearing)
Rain Jacket
Blanket
Cleansing Shower Wipes
Sleeping Bag
Camera
Camera Lenses
Power Bank x2 (1 solar)
Pillow
Towels (full body and face towels)
Face cloth
Hiking/Snow crampons
Snow Gators
Neck Gator
Gloves
15" laptop and charger
Misc chargers
Spork
Daypack/rucksack
Toiletries (solid shampoo/conditioner, lotion, deodorant, advil PM, blister aide, hygiene stuffs)
Travel documents - Eurorail Pass, Passport
Credit/Debit cards
Waterproof pouch
Plug converter
Earplugs
Headphones
Headlamp
TSA locks
Gum

And somehow, it all fits in a 21x14x9 bag.  Except for the cat.  The cat did not fit.  And as sad as he is he doesn't fit, I think he will thank me in the long run.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

My last work trip flew me to Detroit.  I couldn't be so close to Canada and not take advantage.  So I got a rental car and after my meetings, drove through Canada 4hrs to Niagara Falls.  It's amazing how comfortable and easy it is to get around Canada.  Definitely not as bad as my failed trip to Mexico.  I thought my cell phone plan included Canada and Mexico in it's data... which was wrong. So I immediately got lost as my maps stopped updating as soon as I crossed the tunnel into Canada.  Thankfully I quickly found a Starbucks where I could connect to WiFi and got in touch with AT&T to set it up for the day.
Anyway - Niagara Falls.  I haven't been since I was 16.  I forgot how stunningly beautiful and large and loud it is!  It was a bit on the chilly side since a storm had just blown through - but even standing in the midst of the mist, it didn't matter.  I was there just in time for sunset, but unfortunately didn't get to actually go up the Skylon Tower overlook as it was all booked out.  So I settled for ground level admiration, and turned around to head back to Detroit for the night before setting off for Chicago.

The Falls panoramic

View of the falls from across the street

Skylon Tower

The next morning began my 4.5hr drive to Chicago.  I can't say that drive is incredibly scenic... however there was one little tiny town along the way that stood out.  My rental kept getting a low air tire warning, and I needed to use the restroom.... so as I was looking for the next town, one billboard stood out "The Chocolate Garden"... in the town of Coloma.  If you are ever on that random stretch of road, I HIGHLY recommend stopping in.  Oh lordy lordy they have the best chocolate truffles.  And the itty bitty town has vineyards and that small town feel.
Once I got to Chicago, I got pretty lost.  The address for the car rental was incorrect and my GPS was sending me in circles.  So I got to see a lot of downtown Chicago!  That was entertaining.  Finally, I found the rental garage attached to the Union Station.  The Union Station has so much beautiful natural light, and was so surprisingly quiet (considering the large building and echo).  It was hard to not smile like a fool just sitting on the bench. I didn't have much time before my train departed for SLC, so a quick lunch and a few pictures later - we were off.

Union Station

So, this is the first time I've been on a cross country train.  I've been on Utah's Trax, and even took a train from NJ to NY back when I was 16.  But nothing could prepare me for my first cross-country trek on a passenger train.  In fact, the purpose of this ride was to help prepare me, in a way, for my major trip to Europe coming up in a few days.  I'll be sleeping on trains more often than not, and wanted to see how I would fare.  I didn't get a sleeper car, and just rode coach.  Luckily I had my row to myself, so stretching out was possible - albeit uncomfortable to a degree.  I met a fantastic Portuguese couple, who were on the train for the specific purpose of riding the California Zephyr from Chicago all the way to San Francisco.  Such a cute couple - Sarah and Rui.  I'm going to see if I can fit Portugal into my Europe trip coming up - maybe see the Portuguese "Golden Gate" Bridge.

Also, on the train, I met Austin. A 20yr old college student with adventure in his eyes.  I could relate. After overhearing him exclaim he had only seen mountains once before while we were pulling into Denver, we started chatting.  Not long into the conversation, he mentioned he was getting off the train in SLC at 11pm as well.  His next plan was to take the bus to Zion in the morning.  I quickly realized he had nowhere to stay, so offered to have him stay at my house and I would take him back to the bus station in the morning.  Best decision.  We became fast friends.  Also, I knew a cold-front was coming in, so I made sure he had my number in case of an emergency...considering I was now the only person he knew within a 6-11 hr drive of Zion.  Sure enough...I got the call.  He was a little under prepared for the unforgiving Utah Desert.... hot in the day, freezing at night.  So I drove to Zion to pick him up, gave him a place to stay while he figured things out.  In fact, he's still here as I write this. haha   I'm as excited for his adventures as I am my own.  And his near death experience with hypothermia in the middle of nowhere also made me happy I've had my own crazy experiences, and have spent the last 4 months researching for my big trip coming up.  I know that no matter how much I plan, something can and will go wrong... and that's ok.

Anyway - back to the train ride.  It was hard getting good pictures due to the glare and constant shaking of the train, but that's ok.  The terrain was better seen than photographed anyway.  No pictures could really do it justice.  I highly highly recommend the California Zephyr train ride. You will not be disappointed.  Oh, and keep your eye on the rafters in Ruby Canyon... it's customary to moon the trains. haha

Train Stop

You see a lot of the city near the tracks...

I have no idea where this is - but it's not The Shire. I assure you.

First Sunset

Good Morning Nebraska!

Comfort with a view

Another train stop - time to stretch the legs

Colorado Rockies

Ruby River Canyon - Pillsbury Dough Boy formation

Ruby Canyon Mooners - they were enthusiastic

Passing trains

Token Selfie!

Late Night Snack.... oh it was good

Final Sunset outside of Helper, UT

Sending Austin off to Zion

I'm so thankful for all of my experiences, all I've seen, and all the people I've met.  Knowing there is so much more ahead of me - it fills me with a mixture of excitement and respect of the unknown.  I've always been independent and tend to do things myself anyway... but I know my upcoming trip is going to test my resolve and ability to truly do things alone with no one to really rely on.  This train trip was easy.  State side, there are few things I can't figure my way out... especially because everyone speaks English.  And even then, I got lost a couple of times for a few.  Always to find my way back.  So, cheers to getting lost.

(Speaking of.... my new tattoo I just got this last Sunday.  Because of all of this.)

not all those who wander are lost

Map My Drive:

Train Route:

Goblin Valley

Sometimes you just get a bee up your ass and you have to do something.  That's what this trip was.  It was an ultimately failed adventure, but oh well.

I've decided I enjoy photography a lot, and would like to get into astrophotography.  After checking the dark map, I learned that Goblin Valley is the closest location to where I live and happens to be one of the darkest skies in the country.  The current camera I have has the potential to take the pictures I want, but I'm not positive they will actually look any good.  Since I'll be going to Iceland and Europe here soon, along with a lot of other planned overnight trips in dark places - I wanted to test my camera.  
I checked the weather for Goblin Valley, and it was clear skies until 3am.  It was already 2pm and it's a near 4hr drive, so I quick grabbed everything I needed and jumped in my car.  Once I got there, I made it in time for sunset and found the location I wanted to shoot the sky from.  Then, I waited.  And by 8pm, the clouds had come in.  So much for clear skies.  I turned around and headed back.  
I'll try to get the night photos another day.  But for now - there are these:

These are my travel foods... Sweet Tarts - so good

Close up of some of the rock

 Sunset

Map My Drive

Route 66- Sunrise to Sunset

21hrs of driving....  Sometimes, I wonder how sane I actually am. haha

The weekend began driving to Vegas on Friday, Feb 3rd, where I decided to audition for The Voice TV show.  I stayed with my friend and his family for a couple of days - which was a blast!  Great food, great company, and hilarious children. Plus a sweet little husky as well.
The auditions went all day Saturday - so I got in line around 11am, even though my time wasn't until 3pm.  Glad I did too! There were already a good 50-75 people in line when I got there, and hundreds after me within just an hour.  The audition itself was nothing to write home about - no one in my group moved on.  Which is really to be expected, I know how these things go.  But overall it was a blast!  Met lots of people, made new friends, and had a great experience to check off my bucket list.  I had auditioned for American Idol back in their second season, and that was a wildly different experience - but both were awesome!
It's interesting how confidence works.  Less worrying about what they think of you, and just knowing you're still good when you aren't what they are looking for.  You come, you show, you go. Simple and easy.  Fewer expectations make for happier memories and moments.

Ready for auditions!

The line at the conference center

Didn't get to keep the wristbands

After auditions, I headed back, and broke out the laptop to start planning my drive.  My friends in San Francisco asked if I wanted to come back out and dog sit again.  Since I was in Vegas, it made it easy to just pop over... but then, I realized, I hadn't done any driving south.  I had considered going back through Death Valley, but I'd just been there - and Joshua Tree National Park was just as close.  So, I picked a hike in Joshua Tree that I wanted to do, and made that my goal.  Then, as I looked at the map - I realized I was only a few hours away from Mexico.... hahaha  So, I stayed up and really started planning my trip. 

It began at 4am.  Brutal, as I am definitely not a morning person.  within 30 minutes, I was on the road.  My route took me through the Mojave desert, where a couple of hours into my drive the sun came up and showed it off in a way I doubt I will ever see again.  The entire drive to that point I'd only seen one other car, and I didn't see another car again until I made it down to Route 66.  So watching the sun come up - I knew I could stop on the road and just enjoy it.  

The silence was absolutely deafening.  I laughed at it, as I'm finding I do.  Those moments you usually share with someone... the exciting ones, the sad ones, the beautiful ones... those are the ones where I just smile and start laughing.  Because I'm doing it. I'm living my life for me, and getting out without reservation and with blind excitement. Alone. And I start to wonder how sane I am. haha

Sunrise just beginning to crest in the Mojave Desert

The long road.  Completely desolate and silent

Sun rising over an iconic route

I can confirm - it's where you get your kicks.

After getting through the Mojave Desert, and a brief jaunt along Route 66, I turned off towards Twenty Nine Palms and Joshua Tree National Park.  $25 later, and I was watching rock formations that seemed to defy what I knew about rocks.  It's no wonder we have turned these places into preserved national parks.  They are too beautiful to be destroyed by civilization.

I didn't have much time because my drive was going to take all day, so I made the best use of what I had and stopped at Skull Rock.  I did a short hike across the road, got some pictures, and went on my way.  I'm definitely going to go back and stay a weekend or something.  There were so many things I wanted to see!

Skull Rock (obviously)

Skull Rock.... funny how our eyes want to create faces out of shapes so badly

Cactus everywhere - really had to stay on the trail

After Joshua Tree, it was on to Tijuana, Mexico!  The 3 hour drive wasn't overly exciting until I got closer to the border.  The windmills were never ending, and the fog that was rolling in was so thick I could barely see road signs!  I got off the highway to use the bathroom and get gas before heading into Mexico - just because I didn't want to find myself stranded...needing to pee... alone... in Tijuana... in a clearly marked car from Utah.  I had just read the travel warnings, and Tijuana has had a major uptick in American carjackings and kidnappings. Mostly in the evenings, but still.  I wasn't going to take my chances.

I planned my route, knew exactly where I was going and prepared.  I was going to eat at a restaurant near the border on a main market street, where I knew my 5'10 frame wouldn't stick out as much as it was a touristy area.  I also knew I wouldn't have the data I needed for my GPS to reroute me if I got off track.  So - I stuck to my GPS.  That is, until my GPS took me on a road that was under construction and being barricaded on one side by some broken up concrete walls, and two beat down trucks, and a few men watching the line of cars squeeze by them.   I thought "well, good job Megan... you've been in Mexico all of 5 minutes, and you've already got yourself in a mess."  I was stuck with this line of cars, and all of a sudden a homeless man came running out at my car yelling and telling me to turn around.  That didn't help my nerves.  This was probably the first time I wished I had someone with me.

Because the road was under construction, it took me off my pre-determined path.  I didn't know where I was any longer.  I had a vague idea of where I needed to go and the direction... so I headed that way.  Luckily, I found the restaurant, but there was nowhere to park.  In my planning, I had found a nearby hotel, but again - I didn't know where I was any longer, and the hotel I thought I was going to park at was definitely not the hotel I thought I was going to park at.  So I kept driving.  Up and down a couple of streets, avoiding the window washers and peddlers constantly approaching me, and looked for a safe place to park.  Again - single American female, in a clearly marked sports car from Utah, packed with a months worth of luggage in the back.... I didn't want to just park and start walking.  So I had to be very conscious of where I was.

As I made turn after turn, I accidentally found myself back on the road to the USA.  I took it as a sign...and just kept going.  So, my adventure to Mexico was brief and entertaining.  I spent more time at the border trying to come back in than I did actually in Mexico haha.  Then the gate security laughed at me. I laughed at me.  It was a good time.

If I'd had someone with me, it probably wouldn't have been as nerve-wracking, because they could have looked at a map, or kept an eye out for parking while I drove... but being alone and not being able to pull over because of people approaching me every time I stopped...just wasn't smart anymore.  I knew if I had been able to get out of my car and on the main street I had planned, I'd have been fine - but my comfort level being as clearly tagged as I was ended my adventurous streak.  I didn't even get pictures. Oh well.

On to San Diego - where I actually got lunch, because at this point I was super hungry.  Found a nice place on the water in Seaport Village.  Had great food, walked the shops, and watched a fire eating performance.  I felt like it was a place I could definitely enjoy for longer stretches of time.  I'd only been there once before when going on a cruise - so I think I'll do it again, but plan to stay a couple of days.

Seaport Village

After lunch, I decided to take the Pacific Coast Highway.  I'd taken that road previously for my Christmas and New Years drive up North, so I felt I had to take the road while I was down South as well.  It took me through Laguna Beach, Sunset Beach, and Long Beach.  

Laguna Beach

I stopped for coffee in Laguna Beach, and checked my timing.  The clouds were rolling in, and I wanted to make it to Santa Monica Pier at sunset - so unfortunately, I had to get back on the freeway to make up time.  But, I made it with enough time to get to the beach. Unfortunately it was completely overcast, but it was still fun to get to the end of the Route 66 at sunset, when I had seen the sun rising on the same road.... with some major detours in between.

Sunset- Santa Monica Pier... end of Route 66

Looking back on Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier

With the sun gone for the day, and 5 hours left in my drive, I walked back to my car and took the main freeway to continue my drive to San Francisco.  I think, next time, I'll spend a couple of days and take the coastal highway all the way up.  From San Diego to Seattle... the entire Pacific Coast Highway. There, I said it. It's on the bucket list now!

Map My Drive: 

Three National Parks and Moab

So far, I've kept to my New Years Resolution!  Since beginning this blog, I've gone on a hike every weekend, and added a few new places to my list of solo adventures.  I also bought a new camera, so I got to use it for the first time on this trip.

Moab.

I've been to Moab before as a child, but not through all of the parks.  So this trip was lots of fun exploring.  AND, somehow I happened to make it to each National Park while the attendant was away, and the signs on the windows said no admittance fee!
Anyway, I digress.

Arrived Friday afternoon at Dead Horse National Park, and had reserved a camp site.  Lucky me - it snowed just mere days before!  So my camp site was covered in snow.  That's ok... snow makes for insulation.  After stomping down the snow with snow shoes, up went the tent!
It was incredibly cold and breezy, but once the tent went up, the sun did it's job and got it warm inside.  So, it was nice to get a brief reprieve before heading up the road to see the park.

Cold, but comfy

Got in the car and drove up the road to the top of Dead Horse NP, and did a little bit of the hike up there to see the panoramic views.  Definitely worth walking around.  The snow and red rock with snow capped mountains in the back were in a beautiful contrast to each other and gave the park a stunning depth to it.  Also caught on camera a big ol crow as he landed on a dead tree overlooking the park.  Was just too perfect - like he posed just for me.

Dead Horse National Park at Sunset

 Dead Horse Canyon Overlook

Crow on a dead tree in Dead Horse

That night consisted of a nice fire and cooking steak/chicken/shrimp skewers before crawling into the tent at 7:30pm because my fingers were going to fall off from the cold.  The firepit was full of ice, so it was hard to keep the fire going well enough to stay warm.  Later on, I peeked out the tent and watched the stars for a few minutes before it got too cold to even do that.  Nothing quite like a moonless sky with all the stars staring down at you to make you feel so absolutely tiny.  

Then, woke up to frost inside the tent. haha whoops!  Forgot to vent all the layers.  Lesson learned.

After a quick breakfast, it was time to spend the day hiking.  

First up - Canyonlands National Park.  First stop - Mesa Arch.  This was a pretty easy hike, but completely snowed and iced over - so the crampons were necessary to keep from slipping.  Got to tell ya, those things are lifesavers!  Didn't even think twice about where I was having to step.

The arch was not what I expected.  Massive, but low to the ground.  It was easy to walk around it and get a great view from multiple vantage points.  There weren't too many people around either, so got to really soak it in.

Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park

After Mesa Arch, it was on to Arches National Park.  The drive has lots of pullouts and views.  Honestly, words and pictures don't give it justice.  It's just one of those things you have to see for yourself.  But I'll do my best.
Again, I found moments where I was just laughing at the absurd beauty of it all.  The spectacular views definitely make you feel insignificantly small.  The energy is clean and vast - and I felt like I had fully recharged my core just standing in the middle of it all.  Breathing deeper than I had since the last trip on the coast.  With that lackluster description...here are the pictures :)

Balanced Rock was first.  A brief walk around the rock really makes you appreciate the wonder of geology.

Balanced Rock

Panoramic near Balanced Rock

And then it was on to Delicate Arch.  I was hesitant about this hike.  The guidebook calls this hike difficult.  And with my knees being crappy still, I wasn't sure what they were considering difficult... terrain, or typical Summer heat.  Turns out, it was not the terrain.  The 1.5 mile hike was a constant incline, but it was easy enough.  And warm enough.  Only a couple of icy spots - and an end goal with spectacular views!  Once I reached the top, I realized you could actually see the arch from the parking lot - so when I came back down, I decided to use the 160x zoom on my new camera...I was amazed at how well it picked up the arch from that far away!

Wolf Ranch at the beginning of the hike

Petroglyphs at the beginning of the hike

Delicate Arch

Panoramic View at Delicate

160x zoom - 1.5 miles from the arch, in the parking lot.  I should have used a tripod to prevent the blurriness from shaking.

After hiking Delicate, it was time to head back to camp.  Unfortunately - it was freezing cold and staying in the tent another freezing night was not appealing... so, broke camp and went into Moab for dinner and a hotel. hahaha
Lessons learned:  Fires don't burn well on ice.  When you're cold, it's impossible to get warm while it's freezing outside.  Vent your tent.

After a nice restful night in the hotel, and a hearty continental breakfast - going home wasn't really first thing on my mind.  So, went back into Arches for a few more hikes.

This time it was Turret Arch, North and South Window Arches, and then a short jaunt over to Double Arch.  Since they are all in the same basic circle, it only took a couple of hours to see them all.  Easy hikes, not too many people... and again... wow. The views!

Panoramic with Turret Arch in the center

Turret Arch - you can see part of the North Window Arch behind it

"The Spectacles View" - North and South arches form spectacles sitting on a nose

The North Window

North Window straight on

South Window

Double Arch

Sitting inside Double Arch

Next on the path, Sand Dune Arch and Broken Arch.  Sand dune actually had a sign stating it was dangerous to go near the arch.  Sadly, chunks of it have been flaking off.  But, I guess weather will always prevail.  Amazing how the dullest tool (water) can be the most destructive force.  You can see in the picture below, on the upper left section of the arch itself is a little light patchy area - that is where the flaking is happening.

Sand Dune Arch

Broken Arch

After all the hikes and all the arches - I felt ready to drive home.
Total this trip:  3 National Parks, 8 arches, 17 miles of walking, 1 cold night, 1 warm night - and lots of lessons learned.

Map My Trip: